I'm in the market for a new firewall/UTM appliance (for a very small business). Would I be better off going through a local reseller for this, or buying online? Normally online is less expensive, but with something like this, maybe not. And the local guy could provide on premise support, if needed. Thoughts? Thanks.

How good are you in configuring firewalls? Do you have someone to help you setting it up, if you are not really an expert?

Check the prices online and locally and see how much help is included if you buy locally. Today, even buying locally is no guarantee, that the seller has any technical knowledge of the product he is selling. In that case you would pay the higher price for the same 'service' as you would get online.

If you get a good deal locally from an expert shop, they might give you some bonus for the setup, what could than compensate the price difference from an online shop.

But...first get the prices locally and online and see, what you can expect.

While less expensive, the online route for one in need of possible continued support would probably be unwise. I usually recommend erring on the side of local support with someone who knows the product and can provide a presence/availability in the event support is needed. Unless you and your successors (when they happen) are comfortable knowing/learning how to utilize and support those online purchased devices (or willing to pay the manufacturer for support beyond your expertise), local support is the best recommendation.

Thanks for all the responses. Being a small business, I wear a lot of different hats. So although I could probably do the research and get it setup, I would prefer help with that. But that doesn't necessarily mean local. One I'm considering (Untangle) offers professional services at a reasonable cost that can include help with system configuration and optimization, and that is done remotely. I expect the others have something similar. But I will check to see what the local guys can do as well.

One I'm considering (Untangle) offers professional services at a reasonable cost that can include help with system configuration and optimization, and that is done remotely. I expect the others have something similar. But I will check to see what the local guys can do as well.

Yup! We offer a couple of different ways to do that - feel free to hit me up with any questions/etc.